China to Cancel Talks if Trump Moves Ahead With Tariffs, Sources Say

China will reject new trade talks if President Donald Trump moves ahead with the next round of U.S. tariffs on Chinese products, throwing into doubt the prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The administration earlier this month floated the idea of talks led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He expected to lead the Beijing delegation. But President Donald Trump last week ordered aides to move forward with tariffs on as much as US$200 billion in Chinese goods, and a 10 percent duty could be imposed as soon as Monday or Tuesday, according to five people familiar with the matter.

Beijing has already said it will retaliate for the new round of tariffs. Chinese officials have also signaled to U.S. counterparts that Mnuchin’s talks won’t happen. Click here to read more.